The Michigan Court of Appeals says teachers who want to drop out of their union can’t be forced to wait. The court upheld earlier rulings that struck down the Michigan Education Association policy that members who want to leave the union have to wait for an August “opt-out” period. The court said that violates the state’s “right-to-work” law.Continue reading →

A state Senate committee holds a hearing Tuesday on bills to outlaw female genital mutilation in Michigan. It’s already a federal crime with a penalty of up to five years in prison. The bill’s sponsors say that’s not tough enough.Continue reading →

Two million Medicare users in Michigan could be affected by cuts perhaps sooner than expected.

A little known Independent Payment Advisory Board – or IPAB – was created under the federal Affordable Care Act. It’s formed when Medicare spending hits a level, which is determined by a complicated formula. The group is charged with bringing costs back down. Continue reading →

A small crowd that held a May Day rally in front of the state Capitol has a big ambition – to organize ballot campaigns that will support each other. The groups include efforts to legalize marijuana in Michigan, shut down an oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac, and to change the redistricting process.Continue reading →

A man convicted of murder based on DNA evidence says he deserved to have his own court-appointed DNA expert as part of the defense team. The Michigan Supreme Court will decide whether he’s right.Continue reading →

The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place Saturday and New York Sea Grant is urging residents of the Great Lakes region to participate as a way to help protect fish and wildlife.Continue reading →